Boulevardia really brought the heat – as it does every year – for its tenth anniversary, set with a backdrop of the skyline in Kansas City, Missouri. The festival grabbed local headliners for the decade anniversary of its existence on one of the hottest weekends of the year, a lineup that featured The Greeting Committee at 6:30pm as the sun started to make its way down into the trees. We caught some highlights from the performance, below.
Have you ever wanted to laugh while nerding out on a topic you have limited information on? Enter: LabX’s “Wrong Answers Only,” the comedy show hosted by Chris Duffy that entertains a deep-dive topic with one expert and three comedians.
“Wrong Answers Only” has hilariously introduced truths on topics like cybersecurity and bees. On June 17th, they will cover the fan-favorite topic of ICE CREAM. (I mean, who doesn’t love ice cream?) Chris will be joined in his ice cream, adventure by Expert Dr. Maya Warren and comedians Lily Du, Alyssa Limperis, and Aparna Nancherla at Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 17th.
National Ice Cream Month kicks off in July, so it’s time to get your knowledge on. We got to ask Chris Duffy a few questions while he preps for a night of sweet, sweet comedy and entertainment.
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WRONG ANSWERS ONLY is a real treat for people like me who like to fully understand topics. Have you had a favorite deep-dive yet? What would be a future topic you’d want to talk to a scientist about?
Honestly, so much of the fun of doing a show where comedians interview scientists is that every topic ends up being surprising and hilarious. That being said, I think one of the most mind blowing topics was when we interviewed Dr. Moogega Cooper who works on making sure Earth’s spaceships don’t accidentally send out a bacteria or organism that could wreak havoc across the galaxy.
As for a dream topic, I always think scientists who study animals are fascinating and hilarious so I’d love to talk to a rat expert. I bet there’s a lot of comedy there. But actually, now that I’m thinking about it, I’d probably have to look at a lot of photos of rats, which is disgusting and terrifying. So let’s say a guinea pig expert instead. They’re like the friendly cousins of rats.
Where was the show topic of ice cream born from for this upcoming Dynasty Typewriter event?
The idea to do a comedy show about ice cream came from: 1) how good it is to eat ice cream 2) us hearing about a scientist who studies ice cream 3) me realizing this would mean I’d get to eat ice cream for work and 4) us realizing we could give the audience ice cream during the show and have them love us forever.
Can’t argue any of that! Dr. Maya Warren is going to be your guest for this ice cream deep dive. What qualifies her as an ice cream expert, and how did you get into contact?
Well, if you go to her website, it says in giant letters “Ice Cream Scientist™” so that’s definitely a clue that you might be dealing with an ice cream expert. But also, she’s got a PhD in Food Science and has traveled the world studying and creating new flavors of ice cream. One of the amazing parts of doing a comedy show for LabX (a program of the National Academy of Sciences) is that they just know people like this. They’re the only people I could ever meet in my life who would go “Oh, we actually met this ice cream scientist the other night, do you think that might be a fun topic for the show?” The answer, of course, was yes.
Is there anything in particular you are looking forward to bringing up with Dr. Warren and the comedians?
I am most looking forward to ice cream. But also to hearing about Dr. Warren’s work helping create new flavors for Snoop Dogg’s ice cream company, her research studying the “behavioral properties of frozen aerated desserts,” and asking her what the scientifically best and worst ice cream flavors are.
Do you have any pre-show rituals when you’re performing in front of an audience, or even just in general?
My pre-show ritual is to panic, sweat through my shirt, rethink all of my life choices, and then go out onto the stage.
What is your idea of the perfect night out at Dynasty Typewriter, in particular?
I love Dynasty Typewriter! It’s my favorite comedy venue in Los Angeles. It’s also right next to Wi Spa, so you could always catch the show and then immediately soak in several different tubs and get a full body scrub. That’s a really bold combination for a night out, but it is technically possible! A tad less unhinged would be to grab a drink and some food at The Prince**, one of the most fun and classically LA spots in the city. I love the ambience and also the addition of mozzarella to almost any food you order there. The HMS Bounty is another classic LA spot that’s close by and has surprisingly good food. Plus, I don’t think this is true, but I always tell people I bring there that it’s made from an actual ship. Don’t fact check that.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Frankly, I think it’s hard to beat a good vanilla with hot fudge on top. But when I go to Handel’s in Los Feliz (my current favorite ice cream shop), I love to get their taro flavor.
Where do you draw inspiration from in your work?
I am largely inspired by typos on signs.
Incredible. Anything else you’d like to share with your sweet toothed crowd?
Please come to this show, it’s on Tuesday, June 17th at 7:30 p.m. at Dynasty Typewriter and I will personally guarantee you get ice cream during the show. PROVE YOU HAVE A SWEET TOOTH BY COMING AND BRINGING ALL YOUR FRIENDS!!!!
(Much of the way I promote my comedy veers between aggressive yelling and begging for people to attend. It’s kind of my signature.)
As a quick side note, your podcast “How to Be a Better Human” is incredibly sincere and eye-opening. Is there a singular episode or anecdote you have in your memory bank that really solidifies your commitment to the self-help genre?
My memory bank is experiencing a dramatic run on the reserves and it is not FDIC insured. It’s a very unreliable bank. That being said, I loved the episode we did this season with Clint Smith III about history and memory.
**The Prince is absolutely worth it if you want to feel like you’re on set. You may recognize it from several of your favorite productions, including as Nick Miller’s bar in New Girl. Right across the street sits Los Angeles High School of The Arts, which is also a big piece of history and a filming location.
Brooklyn’s hardcore trailblazers Cash Bribe are back, delivering a knockout punch with their latest EP, Demonomics, out today via Futureless. This third offering, their first under the label, solidifies their position as one of the fiercest voices in modern punk and hardcore. If their 2023 release, Escape From New York, was a warning shot, Demonomics is an all-out assault on the systems that keep us subdued.
Recorded and mixed by Zach Miller at the iconic Landmine Studios, where hardcore luminaries like Year of the Knife have made their mark, Demonomics takes Cash Bribe’s chaotic energy to new heights. Guitarist Kirk McGirk aptly describes the EP’s incendiary spirit: “It’s like they’re pissing on your head and telling you it’s raining.” That unflinching rage fuels every riff and lyric, creating a visceral, unrelenting listening experience.
The EP opens with its title track, an ominous and heavy anthem that sets the tone for the journey ahead. “Bay of Pigs,” the lead single, bursts through the speakers with low-tuned swagger, sharp edges, and an unmistakable punk attitude. Rooted in powerviolence and hardcore, the track also nods to the noisy hardcore of Cursed and the raw aggression of mid-era Black Flag.
Tracks like “Faith Aversion” push the boundaries further, diving into metallic riffs that lend an apocalyptic depth to the record’s core. Fans of classic NYHC and those who crave a dose of rock ‘n’ roll spirit will find a balance of chaos and cohesion that speaks directly to the heart of the genre.
Lyrically, Demonomics is a razor-sharp critique of wealth inequality and societal gaslighting. Vocalist Joey Dahlstrom’s delivery pulls no punches, channeling fury and frustration into every line. These themes resonate deeply in today’s climate, adding an intellectual edge to the EP’s unfiltered aggression.
Formed in 2019, Cash Bribe’s lineup—Joey Dahlstrom (vocals), Kirk McGirk (guitar), Brian Jackson (bass), and Larry Koch (drums)—has evolved to match their increasing ambition. From their raw debut, Facemask City (2022), to the polished chaos of Escape From New York, the band has consistently upped the ante, drawing acclaim from major punk and hardcore outlets.
Demonomics isn’t just another EP; it’s a statement. With its heavier riffs, darker tones, and unrelenting fury, it’s Cash Bribe’s most refined and furious release to date. Whether you’re a hardcore aficionado or a punk purist, this EP is bound to leave a mark.
Stream Demonomics on Spotify and other platforms starting today. For those lucky enough to be in Brooklyn, catch the album release show at Lucky 13 Saloon and witness Cash Bribe’s chaos in real time.
Rising California punk band Heartwells, made up of Justin Tauch (guitar), Dave Mariano (bass), Chris Stout (drums), and Sam Peterson (guitar) are releasing their new EP Ollie on July 8th. Heartwells’ new single “Piss n’ Gums” is out now, as is the music video for the song. Heartwells is a relatively new and upcoming band, releasing their debut album “The New Old School” in June 2024.
A rage room filled with graffiti and broken skateboards is where we find the band in this music video. The video cuts between shots of the band performing and a rage room, all in the same background of neon green and red graffiti. The aesthetic feels like you’ve just entered a skate park in 2005, and despite the smashing of glass and loud punk production, there’s something comforting about it. For the two minutes of the video, you’re at a house party in an era that no longer exists.
The rage room serves for more than just a background, as “Piss n’ Gums” is about how sometimes life feels like beating after beating. But it’s also about learning to deal with these troubles, and embrace the challenges of the world as part of life. As Justin Tauch (or JT) says about the song: “Life is like a Dom ready to crack a whip on you when you least expect it. Might as well learn to enjoy it!”
“Piss n’ Gums” feels like a familiar comfort to those who miss the era of punk. In an era where pop music and electronic sounds dominate the charts, hearing bass licks and straight up drums is a nice deviation from the norm. And maybe this comes from the more natural production of the song. JT said his vocals for “Piss n’ Gums” were done in one take.
The song and video are an eclectic mix of both punk rage and some fun moments, which I think do a wonderful job reflecting what is so compelling about Heartwells as a whole.
La Raca Flaca taps into a new-age pop nostalgia on her most recent track “Peaks and Valleys.” “Peaks and Valleys” is an earnest pop track that explores love’s staying power, and its resistance to outside forces.
The song begins with a string arrangement that leans into the romance and allure of the track. La Raca Flaca’s voice then takes charge and with it comes a backing full of bass and synthy beats.
Her lyrics are conversational and are delivered as such, as she speaks to her lover directly, letting them know that outside barriers will not inhibit her love.
“Peaks and Valleys” chorus uplifts the narrative of the song as she further enforces her love’s staying power, and her confidence towards her relationship and its longevity. Her voice becomes stronger, and her message becomes even more powerful when she sings, “This special love will find a way.”
Throughout the verses, La Raca Flaca calls out to her lover creating an intimate bond within the song, and letting us in on her romance and its vulnerability. The song speaks to a greater union and alliance as she emphasizes the power that is created when her and her lover come together. The simplicity of the backing track gives La Raca Flaca the chance to speak to her lover with no distractions, and keeps the focus on her lyrics which are a declaration of unified love.
La Raca Flaca also released a music video which emphasizes the song’s title, “Peaks and Valleys”, as she walks through and exists within nature.
“Peaks and Valleys” is a testament to love and devotion, and La Raca Flaca’s lyrics capture the importance of the human ability to trust in love completely. This song is perfect for long distance relationships, reconnecting with a former flame, or really any relationship that’s ever had some sort of barrier. If you love emotional pop ballads, this one’s for you.
One of the best forms of therapy can be bonding with people from all walks of life, celebrating the same, beautiful music at a concert together. Dawes happens to be comprised of brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith, who happen to come from the same – or similar – walk of life, which isn’t lost on me as I glance around at the spellbound crowd around 9pm on Saturday, June 7th. The fact that they have been able to maintain such fantastic stage presence and creative prowess together for so long is a testament to their dedication to their craft, and their ability to see the good in each other. (Working with your family isn’t an easy thing to do. I honestly see it as a marker of genius in most situations.)
The brothers and their talented backing band played at the Star Pavilion at the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City, Missouri — a venue I hadn’t yet photographed at, but found more enchanting than cheesy.
Dawes tore into a couple of songs before coming up for air to introduce themselves. While many bands will joke about whether they are in Kansas or Missouri, Taylor joked more about not knowing their proximity to the city because of the lack of windows in the room. Small jokes here and there garnered a lot of reaction from the ultra-attentive crowd.
Dawes’ 13-track setlist included crowd favorites, and some slow burns to really cherish together. Witnessing the build of the instrumentals – and watching the way the band jams together live – was an incredibly enjoyable experience, a welcome evening break from the horrors of the world.
